If this was an article on Wikipedia it would already have been tagged for a speedy
delete.
Too little, too late, and looks like 100% spin.
Cheers,
Peter
-----Original Message-----
From: Wikimedia-l [mailto:wikimedia-l-bounces@lists.wikimedia.org] On Behalf Of Arnnon
Geshuri
Sent: Tuesday, 26 January 2016 9:08 PM
To: Wikimedia Mailing List
Subject: [Wikimedia-l] Message from Arnnon Geshuri to the Wikimedia Community
It has been almost three weeks since my appointment to the Wikimedia Foundation Board and
I have read the feedback and comments from representative members of the community. My
first reaction was how amazing the community is in its vibrant culture – there is direct
and honest dialog, celebration of diverse ideas, debate and counterpoints, and an overall
genuine passion to ensure that the WMF sustains itself for another
fifteen years and beyond. Witnessing firsthand the commitment and energy
of the community is truly inspirational. Although I would have preferred the tone
surrounding my appointment to be more positive and supportive, I deeply understand and
respect the criticality of free expression, rallying around convictions, and open
disagreement.
Regarding the concerns that have been raised, I have listened closely.
That said, in my opinion, there are some misconceptions and there are mitigating
considerations. As a general matter, I will say that, throughout my career, I have been
charged with enforcing company policies as part of my role as a people manager. I have
tried to do so thoughtfully and consistently. I have done so realizing company policies
and practices evolve over time as circumstances change.
As part of the current narrative, members of the community generated a running theme
within the online conversations related to trust. Comments were expressed questioning
their trust in the Wikimedia Foundation Board and asking if the community could accept me
as a new Board Member. Wanting to understand the challenges ahead, I have spent the last
few weeks speaking with current and former Board members and reaching out to folks in the
community. I have more conversations in the coming days and appreciate those who have
been generous with their time. Given the story line that has been shaped over the last
couple weeks and based on the feedback from my conversations, I know I have a longer
journey than most new Board members to prove to the community and WMF alumni that they can
put their trust in me. I joined to make a positive difference and be a part of the
important effort to grow the WMF for the next generation of editors, contributors, and
users.
As the community gets to know me, folks will see the way I work is with thoughtfulness,
transparency, diversity, and a focus on doing what is right. I have key experiences in
both my professional and non-profit careers which lend a distinctive perspective to the
honorable work of a Trustee – especially the learnings gained over the last decade. I
passionately believe in the core values of the WMF and trust that the community and even
the most energetic community members come from a place of good intent. And as we all
become closer and transition to debating the issues and not the people, the community will
see I consistently speak from the heart, I am passionately committed to the movement with
the best intent, and I am working hard to earn your trust.
Regards,
Arnnon
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